Ugandans spreading fake news to be prosecuted - UCC

UCC|UGANDANS|FAKE NEWS|COMPUTER MISUSE

KAMPALA - Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has warned Ugandans against computer misuse, saying they risk criminal prosecution.

"We have a fact checker facility that is available on the UCC website for any member of the public who wants to verify information about anything that has been broadcast and shared online," Abudu Sallam Waiswa, the head of legal and compliance at UCC, said.

Waiswa said if anyone sends you information that you are not sure of, before you post it on your page, use the facility to verify that information.

He said under the Computer Misuse Act 2011, once you forward anything using your phone, you become the author and creator of that content.

He sounded the warning during the democracy day debate celebrations organised by the Embassy of Sweden, together with the European Union delegation in Uganda at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Thursday.

The seminar was part of the democracy day celebrated globally on September 15, every year, to discuss how governments and citizens interact to strengthen democracy.

Waiswa said: "If the information turns out to be fake, false or offensive, and the person offended complains to UCC or the Police, you will be traced, identified, and prosecuted for offensive communication. Besides, this could also amount to cyber stalking and fraud, among others."

According to UCC, over 50 people file complaints every month at their offices over computer misuse.

Swedish ambassador Per Lindgarde said the emergence of the Internet and social media have altered media coverage, perception and the way information is disseminated and consumed.

Since some people deliberately spread false information created to hurt a person, social group or country, Lindgarde said it is vital to ensure transparency and access to reliable and accurate information, especially during election periods.

"Democracy is declining globally and opportunities for citizens' participation in decision making are weakening. Since this trend is compounded by COVID-19, we must ensure that actions to combat the pandemic do not undermine democracy or its institutions," Lindgarde said.

In times when COVID-19 will adversely affect most aspects of the electoral process, Lindgarde said it is important to raise the bar and expect more from the media, government and public in terms of reliable, accurate and responsible communication.

While discussing the state of democracy in Uganda, Ebise Emiru Angose, the president of Makerere University Debating Union, said since campaigns are virtual, false information can be posted to manipulate elections.

She added that since most internet users post information before verifying, it is everyone's responsibility to fight against people who mislead others.